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PAST DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY NEWS/RUMORS

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The 'King' named Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500: Seven-time Daytona 500 Champion Richard Petty, who's father Lee won the inaugural Daytona 500 in 1959, will serve as Honorary Starter for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17. Petty will drop the green flag at Daytona International Speedway to get the historic event underway at 3:30pm/et. "We are so honored and proud to have Richard Petty drop the green flag to get the most anticipated event in racing history underway," said Speedway President Robin Braig. "Richard and the Daytona 500 are synonymous with NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race and we're thrilled to have him get the 50th spectacle underway." Over the course of 32 years driving on the Sprint Cup circuit, along with his record seven Daytona 500 wins, "The King" has a record 200 victories; won seven Sprint Cup championships; recorded 27 wins in 1967; was named the circuit's "Most Popular Driver" nine times and was the Series Rookie of the Year in 1959. Tickets for the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-30-2008)
Record purse announced for the Daytona 500: The 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 - the most anticipated event in racing history - will carry a record purse of more than $18 million. The posted awards for "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 17 will be $18,689,238.The posted awards for the 2007 Daytona 500, which was won for the first time by Kevin Harvick in a photo finish over Mark Martin, was $18,386,023. The winner of this year's Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,445,250. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,044,400, $752,400, $598,450 and $471,500 respectively. The last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will also be well compensated with a minimum of $233,865. The winner for the inaugural Daytona 500 back in 1959 - Lee Petty - collected $19,050 and the last-place finisher - Ken Marriott - earned $100. Other purses for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events are:
*ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $283,552
*Budweiser Shootout: $1,217,154 with the winner pocketing $215,000 *Gatorade Duel At Daytona: $1,350,000, $675,000 for each race *Chevy Silverado 250 Craftsman Truck Series race: $875,448 *Camping World 300 presented by Chevy Nationwide Series race: $2,640,772 Tickets to any of the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-29-2008)
Entertainment announced for the Daytona 500: Brooks & Dunn, the most awarded duo in country music history with more than 80 industry awards, including 20 Country Music Association Awards and 26 Academy of Country Music Awards, will highlight the highly acclaimed Sprint Pre-Race Show - the heart-pumping, one-of-a-kind pre-race prelude to the most anticipated event in racing history - the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500. In addition to Brooks & Dunn, Chubby Checker. Michael McDonald and Kool & the Gang will rock the high-profile pre-race entertainment stage, bringing together an amazing collection of musical icons from different musical eras. The pre-race extravaganza will air live before millions of national television viewers on FOX and more than 200,000 energized race fans on-site at historic Daytona International Speedway (DIS) prior to the Daytona 500. 2008 marks the fifth consecutive year that JHE Production Group and Q&A Entertainment Inc. will produce the Daytona 500 Sprint Pre-Race Show.(DIS PR)(1-23-2008)
NASA Astronaut At Daytona Speedway Event for 50th Milestones: Astronaut Andrew Feustel will participate in NASCAR's Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona International Speedway, Fla., on Tuesday, Jan. 8. The appearance is in celebration of NASA's 50th anniversary and the Daytona International Speedway's 50th running of the Daytona 500 in 2008. Feustel will ride around the track, or take "hot laps," in an official track vehicle. Immediately afterward, he will be available for media interviews behind the Pit Road wall. Technology developed for the space program has helped NASCAR drivers increase their performance and stay safe over the years. They wear cooling suits similar to what astronauts wear during a spacewalk. Foam that NASA developed for aircraft seats protects racecar drivers' necks in crashes. In addition to participating in the fan festival, NASA will fly three Daytona 500 flags aboard an upcoming space shuttle flight. Speedway officials plan to wave one of the flags to begin the 2008 installment of the Daytona 500, while another will be presented to the winning driver. NASA will keep the third. Feustel will fly on the space shuttle mission to the Hubble Space Telescope. The mission will extend and improve the observatory's capabilities through 2013. Launch is targeted for August 2008.(News Blaze)(1-7-2008)
US Senate designates Feb. 17th "Race Day in America" By unanimous consent, the United States Senate recently designated February 17th, 2008 - the date of the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 - as "Race Day in America." The resolution, introduced during the 110th Congress by Florida Senators Bill Nelson and Mel Martinez highlights the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 and festivities surrounding the event. Noting that the Daytona 500 is the most prestigious stock car race in the United States; and that Daytona International Speedway is the home of "The Great American Race"; and that winning the prestigious Harley J. Earl Trophy is stock car racing's greatest prize and privilege; and that well-known politicians, celebrities and athletes take part in the festivities surrounding the Daytona 500, the resolution passed easily. "What a special way to recognize the most anticipated event in racing history," said Speedway President Robin Braig. "We are looking forward to the historic 50th running of 'The Great American Race' and the festivities that surround it." Tickets for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 at historic Daytona International Speedway and all events at DIS can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-4-2008)
DIS Offers Free Daytona 500 Qualifying to Blood Donors during Preseason Thunder: During January's Preseason Thunder Fan Fests for the Sprint Cup Series at Daytona International Speedway, race fans will get the opportunity to watch their favorite NASCAR drivers and teams prepare for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and also earn a free ticket to Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. During each of the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Sprint Cup Series Fan Fest nights on Jan. 8 and Jan. 15, the Florida Blood Centers will be hosting a blood drive located just outside the Turn 4 tunnel and guests that donate blood will receive a free ticket to Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. All Sprint Cup Series teams will participate in Daytona 500 Qualifying presented by Kroger on Sunday, Feb. 10. Drivers will turn two high-speed qualifying laps on the historic 2.5-tri-oval as they try to secure a front-row starting spot in the 50th running of the Daytona 500. NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest dates, which will coincide with January's Sprint Cup Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Nationwide Series and Rolex Series testing sessions at the "World Center of Racing," will be held on the following dates:
Jan. 5: The Roar Before The Rolex 24
Jan. 8: Sprint Cup Fan Fest, first session, odd-numbered teams in owners point standings following the Chicagoland Speedway race)
Jan. 12: Craftsman Truck Fan Fest
Jan. 15: Sprint Cup Fan Fest, second session, even-numbered teams in owners point standings following the Chicagoland Speedway race)
Jan. 19: Nationwide Series Fan Fest
Besides watching drivers search for speed on the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval, fans can also enjoy inquisitive fan forums with many of their favorite drivers, bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations, displays, a silent auction and hot laps around DIS (additional charge). The Fan Fest events start at 5 p.m. but fans may enter the Sprint FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch all of the exciting testing action on those days. Admissions for the Sprint Cup Fan Fest dates are $15 while Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series admissions are $10. The Roar Before The Rolex 24 admission is also $10.(DIS PR), see more on the 2008 Daytona testing page.(12-28-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Generates $1.9 Billion Annually: Daytona International Speedway, host of NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious event - The Daytona 500 - has an annual overall economic impact of more than $1 billion. According to the report conducted by The Washington Economics Group, Inc. and Chuck Yaros, Daytona International Speedway and Daytona 500 Experience boast a total economic impact of $1.9 billion annually. The economic impact study was conducted over a several month period utilizing the IMPLAN model, which analyzes both the direct and indirect benefits of an economic producer in a region and statewide. The WEG study also found: * DIS and Daytona 500 Experience operations create nearly 32,000 jobs. * DIS and Daytona 500 Experience provide more than $856 million dollars in labor income annually. * DIS and Daytona 500 Experience generate $155.4 million dollars annually in tax revenue to state and local governments. The report also noted that International Speedway Corporation, the parent company of Daytona International Speedway, announced that its operations generate $2.3 billion in economic benefit each year. Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno also read a proclamation on behalf of the County Council of Volusia County proclaiming Feb. 17, 2008, as "DAYTONA 500 50th ANNIVERSARY DAY."(DIS PR)(12-18-2007)
Thunderbirds to Flyover at Daytona: The world-renowned “Thunderbirds” – the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron – will provide race fans with an aerial spectacle during the National Anthem flyover at the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 at Daytona International Speedway. It is the first time the exclusive flying squadron will perform a flyover at the historic “World Center of Racing.” It will also be the first flyover by the exclusive group in 2008.(Daytona PR), they did however, do a flyover in the late 1950's, over the Daytona beach course.(12-11-2007)
Experience the Daytona 500 at Orlando Science Center: Discover the DAYTONA 500 at the Orlando Science Center offers a hands-on experience exploring the science and history behind auto racing with authentic racing cars, gear and the chance for guests to race scale models. Discover the DAYTONA 500 premiered at the Orlando Science Center on Friday, November 30 and be on display until Sunday, January 6, 2008. Get an up-close look at the marvelous machines that dominate Daytona International Speedway as you discover the science used to take the checkered flag. Content will include a mixture of activities developed by the Science Center creative team combined with DAYTONA 500 memorabilia and authentic racing gear, including racing suits from Dale Jarrett and Richard Petty. Other gear includes a life-size cutaway model of a stock car, a racing seat where guests can strap themselves in, an example of the Gatorade In Car Drinking System (G.I.D.S.) and a working V-8 engine. A garage area with a Pit Stop activity, a video wall showing historical race footage and driving simulators will also be major exhibit components. In keeping with the Orlando Science Center's commitment to providing learning experiences for all ages, a kid's area will feature a battery-operated racecar for little ones to drive on their own miniature track, stations and other themed activities. Older kids and the young at heart will enjoy firsthand race excitement with the ultimate slot car and pinewood derby tracks as well as opportunities for remote control racing. Discover the DAYTONA 500 will be included with general exhibit admission to the Orlando Science Center, which is $14.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids (ages 3-11). The exhibit is currently under development. More information at osc.org.(DIS PR)(12-1-2007)
NASCAR enters the Space Age: If NASA's promotional plan pays off, millions of NASCAR fans will have their eyes glued to the skies next month when space shuttle Atlantis blasts off into orbit -- carrying three Daytona 500 race flags in its cargo bay. The green starter flags are being launched into space to celebrate the 50th running of the Daytona 500 in February, as well as NASA's own upcoming 50th anniversary. "It's great," NASA spokesman Allard Beutel said. "It will hopefully bring space to a whole new audience." NASA, working hard to wind down the shuttle program in 2010 and start its next phase of space exploration that will bring humans back to the moon, is trying to drum up public enthusiasm for an invigorated space program. And the Daytona racetrack was looking for an out-of-this-world way to celebrate its own milestone, said David Talley, spokesman for Daytona International Speedway. NASA came up with the idea to link the two anniversaries earlier this year. Both sides are trying to arrange astronaut-driver promotional events, including a possible joint NASCAR driver-shuttle crew press event during Atlantis' 11-day mission next month. The agency sets aside a small amount of space on every shuttle mission for commemorative items. Last month, Luke Skywalker's lightsaber flew aboard Discovery to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars film franchise. In 2000, a small piece of fabric from Orville and Wilbur Wright's airplane flew on a shuttle mission. The flags had to be measured and weighed carefully to meet NASA's requirements for onboard items and will be stowed throughout the mission. Upon their return to Earth, one flag will be awarded to the winner of the 50th Daytona 500 on Feb. 17; one will go to the Daytona 500 Experience attraction at the racetrack; and the third will stay with NASA. NASA officials will announce Atlantis' launch date Friday. It is expected to be Dec. 6.(Orlando Sentinel)(11-29-2007)
UPDATE: NASCAR will drop the green flag for shuttle Atlantis as it lifts off the launch pad at 3:31 p.m. Dec. 6. Inside the orbiter's payload are three flags being sent to space to celebrate the 50th running of the Daytona 500. The flags will travel more than a million miles at 17,500 mph during the 12-day mission to deliver Columbus, a science research module -- a far cry from the 200 mph the cars will go during the February race.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(11-29-2007)
Daytona July 2008 race tix on sale: On Saturday, Oct. 13, at 8:00am/et, fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the July Sprint Cup Series 400 on July 5, 2008 at Daytona International Speedway. Great seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. DIS also has something special for current tickets holders who refer a friend that buys tickets to the July Sprint Cup Series 400 - a brand new Corvette. Current customers can refer as many accounts as they like and will be registered each time they are mentioned as a referring account. Both the referring account and new customer account are registered for the Corvette. Drawing for the new Corvette will be held in May. For more info see daytonainternationalspeedway.com of call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(10-11-2007)
Daytona to add Second Fan Deck to Sprint Fanzone: The Sprint Fanzone, located in the heart of the infield of Daytona International Speedway, will be bigger and better for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17. Beginning in mid-October, a second Fandeck will be added atop the Sprint Cup Series garages on the south side of the Sprint Fanzone. The new fan deck, which will include a bridge connecting it to the north fan deck, adds an additional 23,500 square feet to the Sprint Fanzone and provides race fans with a view of the south side of the Sprint Cup Series garages. Construction on the expansion of the Fandeck will be completed in time for the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27. The Sprint Fanzone was constructed in 2004 during Daytona International Speedway's multi-million dollar infield renovation and made its debut in 2005. A Sprint Fanzone/Pre-Race access pass for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 is $90 (must already have purchased a race ticket). For the other days during DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008, an advance Sprint Fanzone/Pre-Race pass is $25 (must be purchased two weeks before event date). For tickets to DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(9-14-2007)
Ford hired by ISC: Edsel Ford II, great-grandson of pioneer automaker Henry Ford, is becoming a director of International Speedway Corp., owner of Daytona International Speedway. Ford, 58, due to be formally elected in November, will take over the board seat of Chairman William C. France, who died in June. Ford has been a vice president of Ford Motor Co. since 1993. James C. France, William C. France's brother, officially took over as ISC chairman. Lesa France Kennedy, ISC president and William's daughter, became vice chairman.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(9-6-2007)
Race Fans Go Behind The Scenes At DIS With VIP Hot Pass Tour: Have you ever wondered what it's liketo see Gatorade Victory Lane from a $5,000 seat at Daytona International Speedway? What the view is from the eyes of a sportswriter?; Where NASCAR President Mike Helton lays down the law prior to a NASCAR race? Well, race fans visiting the Daytona 500 Experience motorsports attraction can see those things and much more by taking advantage of the new VIP Hot Pass Tour - an exclusive behind-the-scenes personalized two-hour tour that opens the door to the backstage of motorsports' most historic venue "The World Center of Racing." The VIP Hot Pass Tour debuted last Friday and Saturday and both were sold out. On the VIP Hot Pass Tour, race fans can travel in comfort throughout the hallowed Speedway grounds and get an insider's look at popular hot spots such as the four-story icon Daytona 500 Club and upscale President's Row, the Nextel Cup garages, the Infield Media Center where hundreds of reporters from the Associated Press to NASCAR Scene pen stories, the Driver's Meeting Room where drivers, crew chiefs, owners and VIPs gather for the pre-race dos and don'ts, the Houston Lawing Press Box and a luxury suite in Sprint Tower where Fortune 500 executives rub elbows.
Included in the $50 Daytona 500 Experience VIP Hot Pass tour are:
* Admission to the Daytona 500 Experience, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR."
* Two-hour personal track tour aboard the comfort of a Speedway motor coach.
* Lunch at the Budweiser Bistro in the heart of the SPRINT FANZONE.
* Discount on merchandise from the Pit Shop, located just outside The Daytona 500 Experience and jam packed with the latest in NASCAR apparel. * Two ACCELERATION ALLEY ride vouchers, where guests hop in 80% scale motion simulators and race each other on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. All VIP Hot Pass tours must be scheduled by calling (386) 947-6530 or by visiting www.DAYTONA500EXPERIENCE.com.(DIS PR)(8-14-2007)
Pavers, graders replace sound of stock cars at Daytona: The sound of stock cars at Daytona International Speedway, have been replaced - for the time being - by the sound of bulldozers, pavers and graders. "The World Center of Racing," which undertook a major infield renovation project in 2004, is currently experience yet another tweak in its infield, with several alterations underway.
Those projects include:
Remove all above ground obstructions and ditches from the interior grassed sections of the road course (overhead power, drainage structure headwalls, fencing).
Regrade the interior grassed section of the road course, install drainage structures and grates.
Construct a 12' wide extension of pit road to extend pit road out to the east horseshoe where it blends into the main track.
Construct a new inner East Horseshoe which will match the existing radius and slope of the existing turn.
Strip the grass and topsoil between road course in and out and pave the area.(DIS PR)(7-31-2007)
Daytona 500 Web Site Launched: Race fans looking to get their Daytona 500 “fix” prior to the historic 50th running of “The Great American Race” scheduled for Feb. 17, 2008, can visit the preeminent on-line destination for news, history and background on the most anticipated event in racing history. At www.daytona500.com, the Official Site of the Daytona 500, race fans can access a comprehensive, user-friendly website with the latest innovative technology, allowing fans to view exclusive and historical content, videos, photos, audio as well as downloading screensavers and wallpapers and other multimedia elements.(DIS PR)(7-23-2007)
Coke signs deal with ISC, and title rights for July races in Daytona: International Speedway Corporation announced that the company has signed an exclusive ten-year agreement with Coca-Cola North America (CCNA). Specific financial terms were not released. Under the terms of the agreement, CCNA brands will become the "Official Soft Drink," "Official Sparkling Beverage" and "Official Water" for 10 of ISC's wholly owned and/or operated motorsports facilities; as well as the Daytona 500 Experience, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction. Beginning in January 2008, the partnership will include the following ISC properties:
Daytona International Speedway, including race entitlement rights for the facility's July Nextel [to be Sprint] Cup and Busch series events; The DAYTONA 500 Experience; Chicagoland Speedway; Homestead-Miami Speedway; Kansas Speedway; Michigan International Speedway; Richmond International Raceway. The relationship will extend to Darlington Raceway in 2009, Talladega Superspeedway and Watkins Glen International in 2011, and Phoenix International Raceway in 2012 [no mention of Martinsville or California speedways]. Under the new agreement, CCNA beverages will be served exclusively at the facilities by Americrown, ISC's catering, concessions and merchandising subsidiary, and by other facility concessionaires. In addition, CCNA will leverage its marketing expertise to create a variety of programs featuring ISC properties both at-track and wherever racing fans enjoy their favorite sport.(DIS PR)(7-9-2007)
Daytona 500 to be moved to November? UPDATE denied: This week, sources within NASCAR told me [CTR] there has been closed door discussions to move the date of the Daytona 500, to November. Apparently, NASCAR is intrigued by the idea of switching the dates of the season ending Homestead race with the season opening Daytona 500. The allure of ending the NASCAR season and crowning a new Nextel Cup champion at the sports biggest race is something the France family is strongly considering. NASCAR and the International Speedway Corporation own both tracks so a change of date would be easy to accomplish. For the past 25 years, NASCAR has led off the season in Daytona Beach, FL with the sports biggest race, the Daytona 500. In 2008, NASCAR will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Daytona 500 on February 17th for what may be the final time ever in the month of February. Sources said the late Bill France Jr. was very much against moving the Daytona 500 and felt that it would hurt the integrity of the sport. NASCAR does not intend to have a final decision regarding the date change until the end of the 2007 season.(CTR-Captain Thunder Racing)(7-5-2007)
UPDATE - denied: There's no validity to a rumor circulating on the Internet that NASCAR is having discussions about moving the Daytona 500 to November, Daytona spokesman Andrew Booth said. "That one was way out in left field," he said.(Tampa Tribune)(7-7-2007)
Daytona 500 Champions Awarded: Daytona International Speedway announced, as a gesture of recognition of the past Daytona 500 Champions and in celebration of the upcoming 50th running of the Great American Race, it will present the 24 living legends a lifetime membership to the prestigious Daytona 500 Club. Each champion, by way of their accomplishments on the track and in life, will receive lifetime access to the track's infield hospitality and entertainment experience. Membership benefits include: a seat in Gatorade Victory Lane, access to the Club banquet & lounge, event souvenir packages, a Pre Race / Nextel Fanzone Access pass, infield parking and admission to the Daytona Experience for the Pepsi 400 and Speedweeks event weekends. Also the Daytona 500 Experience at Daytona International Speedway welcomed five past champions of the "Great American Race" to its Walk of Fame. Inductees ranged from this year's winner, Kevin Harvick (2007), to Junior Johnson (1960). Joining Harvick and Johnson at the induction was Derrike Cope (1990), Buddy Baker (1980) and Pete Hamilton (1970). Plans for a new exhibit inside the Daytona 500 Experience featuring other past champions of the "Great American Race" were also unveiled at the ceremony.(DIS PR)(7-7-2007)
DIS, NASCAR Honor Bill France Jr. During Pepsi 400 Weekend: NASCAR legend Richard Petty will drive a specially designed Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR tribute car in honor of the late Bill France Jr. prior to Saturday night's Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race. The on-track tribute highlighted by Petty is just one of several tributes that are taking place during the Pepsi 400 Weekend at Daytona International Speedway. France, who helped build Daytona International Speedway in the late 1950s and served as President between 1982-87, passed away last month at the age of 74.
The tributes for Bill France Jr. include:
* With Petty, the specially designed Daytona International Speedway/NASCAR tribute car will lead the Pepsi 400 field during the pace laps and slow as the field splits with the car falling to the back of the pack.
* A moment of silence held before Friday's Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo Busch Series race and Saturday night's 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race.
* A special video tribute will be shown on the Nextel Vision screen during Saturday's pre-race festivities.
* A special feature of Bill France Jr. in the 2007 Pepsi 400 Weekend souvenir program.(DIS PR)(7-7-2007)
Busch Race postponsed until Saturday Tix Info: The Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo has been postponed and been rescheduled for Saturday morning at 9 :00am/et. The following are the ticket procedures for Saturday, July 7 at Daytona International Speedway:
* Both Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo tickets and Pepsi 400 tickets will be honored.
* If a ticket holder has only a Winn-Dixie 250 ticket, they can view the Pepsi 400 from the Superstretch.
* The Pepsi 400 ticket has priority over any Winn-Dixie 250 ticket for Saturday night's Nextel Cup race.
* Gates will open at 7:30am/et
* The NEXTEL FANZONE will open at 2:00pm/et and only Nextel Fanzone/Pre-Race passes for the Pepsi 400 will be honored
* All Speedway parking/tram service will run as scheduled
For more information, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(7-6-2007)
Red, White and... Green at Daytona:Anheuser-Busch Recycling Corporation and the Daytona International Speedway have joined to encourage and enable recycling during the entire race week. More than 9000 pounds of aluminum cans and aluminum bottles and approximately 3000 pounds of plastic water bottles were collected at the track during February's Speedweeks at Daytona. Budweiser "Green Team" members and DIS employees will hand out blue recycle bags to campers as they enter the Speedway infield and the West Lot camping grounds for nightly pick up. In addition, 400 recycling containers will be located throughout the concourse, Fan Walk area, suites and hospitality tents. During the races, the Budweiser "Green Team" and speedway employees will service these recycling bins. To encourage guests to recycle their beverage containers, "Green Team" volunteers will walk through the campgrounds and reward adults that are "caught" recycling with Budweiser gear. Budweiser is the official beer of Daytona International Speedway. For more information on the Anheuser-Busch Environmental Outreach, visit ABenvironment.com.(fingerprint inc)(7-6-2007)
Final Pepsi 400 Next Weekend? Next weekend’s Nextel Cup race at Daytona will not only be the last restrictor-plate race using the old race car, it appears it also will be the last Daytona race called the Pepsi 400. Sports Business Daily reported Friday that Coca-Cola is close to signing a deal to give it pouring and marketing rights at Daytona. That would end an almost 50-year relationship between Pepsi and the track. The report says Pepsi’s deals with other International Speedway Corporation tracks at Phoenix, Talladega, Watkins Glen and Darlington will be dropped as they expire over the next few years.(Thats Racin)(6-30-2007)
Actor Kevin James Grand Marshal for Pepsi 400 at Daytona: Kevin James, who stars opposite Adam Sandler in Universal Pictures' new comedy, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry," will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Series Cup race on Saturday, July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. The film opens July 20. James will give the command "Gentlemen, start your engines" in the NASCAR mid-summer classic. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal Chevy Impala pace car. Tickets for any of the Pepsi 400 Weekend events, including the 49th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 7, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 6 and the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Series race on Thursday, July 5, are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-30-2007)
DAYTONA USA is now "Daytona 500 Experience": For the past 11 years, DAYTONA USA, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR," has been delivering magical motorsports memories to both hard-core race fans and casual observers through hands-on activities, challenging thrills and one-of-a-kind sights. This year, the attraction continues to offer fans the thrills of racing at "The World Center of Racing." However, in an effort to align "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" with NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race -- the Daytona 500 -- DAYTONA USA will be renamed the Daytona 500 Experience beginning July 1, 2007. A new logo will accompany the name change as well as a new website address. Fans can see the new logo at www.Daytona500Experience.com.(DIS PR)(6-28-2007)
2007 Pepsi 400 Purse Exceeds $6 Million: The stars of the Nextel Cup Series will vie for a purse of more than $6 million under the lights at the "World Center Of Racing" in the 49th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race on Saturday, July 7th at Daytona International Speedway. The posted awards for this year's mid-summer classic will be a record $6,202,439, an increase of almost $200,000. The posted awards for the 2006 Pepsi 400, which was won by Tony Stewart, was $6,074,820. The winner of this year's Pepsi 400 will collect a minimum of $284,550. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Pepsi 400 will receive a minimum of $195,575, $160,725, $131,425 and $118,725 respectively. The posted awards for the Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race presented by PepsiCo on Friday, July 6th will be $1,552,701. Tickets to any of the 2007 Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2007)
NASA rocket launch to coincide with Pepsi 400 festivities: Whoever sings "and the rockets red glare," on Saturday, July 7, the day of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, will really mean it. Sometime between 4:09 and 4:36pm/et, NASA is scheduled to launch a Delta II Rocket from the Astrotech Space Operations Facility Launch Pad at Kennedy Space Center in nearby Titusville, FL. Weather permitting, those attending the Nextel Series Pepsi 400 race or in the area of the Speedway should be able to see the rocket churn toward space. The Dawn spacecraft is being prepared for launch and has gone through a series of tests including the loading on xenon for the ion propulsion system and the loading of Hydrazine, used for spacecraft control and maneuvering.(DIS PR)(6-25-2007)
10 Finalists in Daytona 500 Celebrity Tickets for Charity Competition announced: When fans speak, Daytona International Speedway (DIS) listens. Some of the most passionate fans in professional sports have made their voices heard and narrowed a star-studded field of 46 celebrity designs to 10 finalists in the Daytona 500 "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" competition. Resembling a Who's Who among sports and entertainment personalities, these 10 celebrities have edged out the competition in an online battle for ultimate bragging rights and now move one step closer to the honor of having their artistic sense immortalized on the most sought after ticket in all of motorsports - the 50th running of the Daytona 500.
The top 10 finalists, in no particular order, are as follows:
1. Kevin Harvick - 2007 Daytona 500 winner
2. Jeff Foxworthy - host of FOX's "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
3. Dale Earnhardt Jr. - 2004 Daytona 500 winner
4. Tony Hawk - extreme sports icon
5. Katie Cook - host of CMT Insider
6. Mike Joy - NASCAR on FOX commentator
7. Patrick McRae (age 17) - on behalf of Rick Hendrick
8. Derek Wynne (age 7) - on behalf of Jimmie Johnson
9. Marvin Panch - 1961 Daytona 500 winner
10. Mario Andretti - 1967 Daytona 500 winner
To commemorate the historic milestone of NASCAR's most prestigious race on February 17, 2008, DIS launched "Celebrity Tickets for Charity," a fun, philanthropic initiative that has provided a platform for professional athletes, musicians, famous actors and TV personalities to showcase their artistic talents through their personal canvases inspired by the "Great American Race." The response was overwhelming as Daytona500.com received an unprecedented number of visits from NASCAR fans voting for their celebrity designs. Voting began May 1 and ended June 14, 2007.
A blue ribbon panel made up of members of the NASCAR community will decide the winning entry. International Speedway Corporation (ISC) President Lesa France Kennedy, DIS President Robin Braig, three-time Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon, 1989 Daytona 500 winner Darrell Waltrip, and TNT on-air talent Marty Snider comprise the judging panel and have the responsibility of determining the look of the 2008 Daytona 500 ticket. The winning design will be announced Saturday, July 7 at DIS prior to the Pepsi 400. Once the winning design is chosen, all original celebrity artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds benefiting The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening and chronic diseases. Tickets to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 are currently on sale to the general public. To view the top 10 finalists, purchase tickets, or for ticket information, visit Daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(6-15-2007)
Historic 50th Running Daytona 500 Tickets Go On Sale May 9: Tickets for the 50th annual Daytona 500 will go on sale on Wednesday, May 9, at 8:00am/et. The pre-Mother's Day Weekend on-sale date marks the earliest opportunity ever for fans to purchase all remaining tickets for the 50th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2008. Prior to Wednesday, May 9, only renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the 50th annual Daytona 500 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. Oder by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting the Daytona International Speedway ticket office inside the lobby of Daytona USA. Tickets for other DIRECTV Speedweeks at Daytona events, including the Daytona 300 Busch Series race, the Chevy Silverado HD 250 Craftsman Truck Series race, the Gatorade Duel at Daytona, Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 and the Budweiser Shootout. Hospitality packages including the Daytona Club, the Daytona 500 Club, the Green Flag Club and the Party Zone. Tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on July 5-7, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 7, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo Busch Series race and Circle K Pole Qualifying for the Pepsi 400 on Friday, July 6 and the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday, July 5.(DIS PR)(5-8-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Launches Celebrity Tickets for Charity: Daytona 500 winners Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson and Mario Andretti, Grammy Award nominee Jewel, TV host Kelly Ripa, and action sport legend Tony Hawk, among others, will put their artistic talents to the test to help commemorate the 50th running of NASCAR's crown jewel stock car race, the 2008 Daytona 500. Daytona International Speedway (DIS) announced its "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" competition, where the design of the most sought-after ticket in motorsports history will be chosen from submissions provided by celebrities, with fans having a voice in the decision. Program spokesperson and three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon and DIS President Robin Braig launched the program at Talladega Superspeedway and unveiled several celebrity designs. Celebrity spokesperson Carson Daly also participated in a media tour from New York City to kick off the program. Voting begins Tuesday, May 1. Fans are encouraged to click on the "Celebrity Tickets for Charity" banner on Daytona500.com as often as they like to view and vote for their favorite celebrity ticket designs. The top 10 most popular designs, based on fan voting, along with the members of a blue ribbon panel that will determine the winner, will be announced at Michigan International Speedway Friday, June 15. The winning design will be announced during the Pepsi 400 (July 5-7) weekend in Daytona Beach. Once the winning design is chosen, all original celebrity artwork will be auctioned online with the proceeds benefiting The Jeff Gordon Foundation, which supports children with life-threatening diseases. Tickets to the 50th running of the Daytona 500 go on sale Wednesday, May 9, 2007. To vote for ticket designs, purchase tickets, or for ticket information, visit Daytona500.com.(DIS PR)(4-28-2007)
Daytona International Speedway Earns Prestigious Welcome Mat Award: For the fifth straight year, historic Daytona International Speedway has been awarded the Welcome Mat from The Good Sam Club for hosting the most RV friendly NASCAR event - the Daytona 500. The Good Sam Club, the world's largest membership organization of RV owners, introduced their Welcome Mat Awards to recognize those businesses that know how to accommodate RVs and offer award-winning service to a growing number of RV owners. Nearly one million RV owners were eligible to vote for businesses and events that go out of the way to recognize the needs of RV owners. DIS hosted The Good Sam Club's "The Rally" in April 2006.(DIS PR)(4-8-2007)
Daytona 500 fan killed in road rage shooting UPDATE: Three Jacksonville men have been charged with second degree murder in the shooting death of Eddie Houk, 36, Land O Lakes, who was leaving the Daytona International Speedway with an older brother Sunday night when he was shot and killed on Interstate 4 in a road rage incident, authorities said today. The men were apparently passing through the area but had not attended the race, deputies said. More details will come later in a press release, but Volusia County Sheriff's Office spokesman Brandon Haught confirmed it was a road rage incident.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2007)
UPDATE: Sheriff's investigators combed through an Interstate 4 exit Tuesday morning searching for the handgun used in the road-rage killing of a 36-year-old Tampa-area father heading home from the Daytona 500. Investigators were at the Orange City exit looking for the weapon, sheriff's spokesman Gary Davidson said. One of the suspects involved in the shooting, Ronlee Harvin, 21, told investigators he flung the gun from a window of the SUV he was riding in afterward. Meanwhile the grieving family made funeral plans for Eric Houk of Land O' Lakes, a youth soccer coach, husband and father of three, including a 5-month-old son. Seminole County sheriff's deputies arrested Harvin, Charles Onasanya, 19, and David Paul Edwards, 21, as the trio and a female passenger sped west on the interstate Sunday night into Seminole County. Edwards is charged with second-degree murder, accused of shooting Houk in the stomach. The other two men are charged with being principals to second-degree murder. The suspects and the woman are from Jacksonville. Eric Houk and his brother, Michael Houk, encountered the three suspects about 9:20 p.m. Sunday after Eric Houk swerved his pickup into the emergency lane of the interstate to avoid hitting another car. The victim had no idea that Onasanya, who was driving the SUV, was already tooling along in the emergency lane to bypass heavy post-race traffic on I-4, officials said. Angry at being cut off, Onasanya swung his SUV around Eric Houk's truck and he, Harvin and Edwards got out, along with their female passenger, whose name is not being released by sheriff's investigators. The Houk brothers also got out of their pickup and Eric Houk and Onasanya started arguing, investigators said. When the argument turned physical, the female passenger yelled, "Get the gun," a police report shows. She will not be charged, though, sheriff's spokesman Brandon Haught said, because saying that "is not a crime." Onasanya ran back to his vehicle and retrieved a handgun belonging to Harvin. The gun made its way to Edwards who fired a shot into the air to get Eric Houk and Onasanya to stop fighting, the report said. Edwards fired two more shots at Eric Houk, though he was unarmed and not threatening, officials said. Seconds later, the three suspects and the woman took off in the SUV. Eric Houk died just before 10 p.m. at Florida Hospital DeLand, officials said. The suspects were arrested soon after on I-4 in Seminole County.(More at the Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-21-2007)
49th Annual Daytona 500 A Sellout: All grandstand seats for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway officials announced Saturday. While all the grandstand seats are sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for the "Great American Race" - the kick off to the Nextel Cup Series season. "We're happy to announce that the Daytona 500 is sold out," Speedway President Robin Braig said. "The fans continue to show that the Daytona 500 is the premier stock car race in America." Tickets for all other events at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-18-2007)
Parsons to wave the green? UPDATE: hearing that Phil Parsons, brother of the late great Benny Parsons, will be the Honorary Starter for the Daytona 500 on Sunday and wave the green flag.(2-13-2007)
UPDATE: Phil Parsons, younger brother of 1975 Daytona 500 champion and 1973 NASCAR champion Benny Parsons, has been named Honorary Starter for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Benny Parsons, who was diagnosed with lung cancer, passed away last month in Charlotte, N.C. after complications from treatment. "Benny Parsons was a special member of the Daytona International Speedway family and we're honored to have his brother wave the green flag for Sunday's Daytona 500," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. Benny Parsons was a member of the NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers and a winner of 21 races and 20 poles. After retiring from racing in 1988, Parsons excelled at broadcasting and spent the past six years with NBC and TNT. Phil Parsons was also a NASCAR driver making 202 Nextel Cup Series starts and winning a Nextel Cup race in 1988 at Talladega Superspeedway. Parsons, who also won two Busch Series races, now serves as an analyst for SPEED Channel's coverage of the Craftsman Truck Series.(DIS PR)(2-14-2007)
Big & Rich To Sing National Anthem At Daytona 500: The multi-platinum genre bending country music duo and Grammy nominated Big & Rich will perform the National Anthem for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway. (Big Kenny) and John Rich formed Big & Rich in 1998 and the duo has released two chart-topping albums - "Horse Of A Different Color" and "Comin' To Your City" - and has another album due out by the middle of 2007. Also participating in Daytona 500 pre-ceremonies will be actor Nicolas Cage as Grand Marshal, singer Kelly Clarkson in the NEXTEL Tribute To America and baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. as Daytona 500 pace car driver. Tickets to all exciting events at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-13-2007)
2007 Daytona 500 Purse Exceeds $18 Million The 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18, America's richest, biggest and most prestigious motorsports event of the year, will once again carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car racing at more than $18 million. The posted awards for the "The Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 18 will be $18,386,023. The posted awards for the 2006 Daytona 500, which was won for the first time by Jimmie Johnson, was $18,035,635. The winner of this year's Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,443,250. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,041,525, $747,575, $593,550and $466,000 respectively. Even the last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will be well compensated with a minimum of $226,295.
Other purses for Speedweeks 2007 events are:
* ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $277,936
* Budweiser Shootout: $1,153,518 with the winner pocketing $215,000
* Gatorade Duel At Daytona: $1,350,000, $675,000 for each race
* Chevy Silverado HD 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race: $865,733
* Orbitz 300 NASCAR Busch Series race: $2,596,288.(DIS PR)(2-7-2007)
Daytona International Speedway OK there was a major tornado in Central Florida this afternoon, killing over a dozen people. Have heard the tornado didn't hit Daytona International Speedway and there is no damage there. More than 2 inches of rain fell overnight at Daytona Beach International Airport [right next to the speedway] but no high wind gusts were reported there. Reports on the tornado can be found at the Daytona Beach News Journal.(2-2-2007)
AND The storms that struck middle Florida spared Daytona International Speedway, site of NASCAR's upcoming season-opening Daytona 500. "We're A-OK," Speedway spokesman Andrew Booth said Friday morning. "We had a lot of rain, wind and lightning, but no damage." NASCAR activities at Daytona crank up next weekend with the Budweiser Shootout on Feb.10 followed by the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(2-3-2007)
Dierks Bentley To Perform Pre- and Post-Race Bud Shootout Concerts: Popular country music star Dierks Bentley, whose recent album Long Trip Alone debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart, will perform before thousands of fans both before and after the 29th annual Budweiser Shootout at historic Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night, Feb. 10. Bentley's hit single "Every Mile A Memory" from the album Long Trip Alone reached No. 1 on the Billboard country singles charts and recently garnered two Grammy nominations for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and Best Country Song.(DIS PR)(2-3-2007)
Forbes rates the top 10 sports brands and event brand value ($mil):
• 1. Super Bowl, 379
• 2. Summer Olympics Games, 176
• 3. FIFA World Cup, 103
• 4. Daytona 500, 91
• 5. Rose Bowl, 88
• 6. NCAA Men's Final Four, 82
• 7. Winter Olympics Games, 82
• 8. Kentucky Derby, 69
• 9. MLB World Series, 56
• 10. NBA Finals, 47
(Forbes.com)(2-1-2007)
Cal Ripken Jr. to pace Daytona 500 Field: Cal Ripken Jr., best known as baseball's "Iron Man", playing in a record 2,632 straight games for the Baltimore Orioles, will be behind the wheel of a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette as he paces the field for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Daytona International Speedway. Voted to baseball's Hall of Fame in 2007, his consecutive games played record, which took 16 years to establish, made him a popular player with baseball fans everywhere as evidenced by his 19 All-Star Game appearances. "The Daytona 500 is one of the most storied sporting events in the country and I am thrilled and honored to be a part of it. NASCAR drivers are tremendous athletes and I look forward to being in that environment," said Ripken. Tickets for the Daytona 500 as well as other Speedweeks 2007 events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-30-2007)
Actor Nicolas Cage grand marshal for Daytona 500: Nicolas Cage, the star of the upcoming action-adventure Ghost Rider from Columbia Pictures, in theaters everywhere on February 16th, has been named Grand Marshal of the 49th annual Daytona 500, Cage will command the drivers, "Gentlemen, start your engines!" at NASCAR's signature event, which will run on Sunday, Feb. 18 at historic Daytona International Speedway. Cage has starred in more than 50 films including such popular releases as National Treasure, Gone in Sixty Seconds, Face/Off, Con Air, The Rock, Raising Arizona, and Leaving Las Vegas, which garnered him an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actor.(DIS PR)(1-26-2007)
Clarkson To Headline Nextel Tribute To America at Daytona 500: Two-time Grammy winner and Sony recording artist Kelly Clarkson will headline the Nextel Tribute To America, the pre-race extravaganza leading up to "The Great American Race" -- the prestigious Daytona 500 Nextel Cup Series race on Sunday, Feb. 18. Clarkson will perform in the Nextel-sponsored show, which will be carried live on FOX Sports. The Nextel Tribute To America pays tribute to music as the fabric of America and will feature thousands of cast members on the Speedway's historic five-acre tri-oval grass.(DIS PR)(1-18-2007)
2007 DIS Fan Guide Now Available: Continuing Daytona International Speedway's "Fans R 1st @ Daytona" initiative, the 2007 edition of the Fan Guide - the top fan information source at "The World Center of Racing" - is now available online at www.Daytonainternationalspeedway.com. Guests can download the Fan Guide by clicking on the Fan Info banner at the top of the main page. For the first time, the Fan Guide is available for download in both individual sections as well as the complete version. The Daytona International Speedway Fan Guide is loaded with ticket information, schedules, specialty vehicle overnight parking information, traffic patterns and Speedway facility maps including free parking locations, disabled guest assistance services and other tidbits that will make the fans' visit an even more enjoyable experience. If you don't have Speedweeks 2007 tickets call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(1-11-2007)
Fans gobbling up “Sit With Jimmy” tickets: Jimmy Spencer was right – he is in touch with the fans. And judging from “Sit With Jimmy” ticket sales, he’s as popular as ever. In response to Kenny Wallace’s accusation in September that Jimmy Spencer is out of touch with race fans, “Mr. Excitement” unveiled his own Daytona 500 special ticket package for the 49th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18. Since his announcement, “Sit With Jimmy” tickets have been a popular item, already selling out the original Superstretch Lund Section seats. Because of its popularity, seats in the Allison grandstand have been added. Two different "Sit With Jimmy" packages are still available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visit sitwithjimmy.com.(DIS PR)(12-20-2006)
'The World Center of Racing' Renamed DeLana International Speedway: Kevin Harvick Inc. and owner DeLana Harvick have dominated the past two Daytona 300 Busch Series races at Daytona International Speedway, winning the prestigious season-opening events with driver Tony Stewart. With Kevin Harvick Inc.'s success in the Daytona 300, Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig announced that the legendary historic motorsports facility will now carry the name of its team owner -- DeLana -- for the day. "Kevin Harvick Inc. and its owner DeLana Harvick have won the last two February Busch Series races at DIS," Braig said. "Since they 'own' the track, in their honor, we're going to change the name of Daytona International Speedway to 'DeLana International Speedway' for the day." On Thursday during NASCAR Busch Series Champion's Week Media Luncheon at the ESPN Club at Disney's Boardwalk, Braig made the announcement and gave a piece of historic pavement from DIS to DeLana Harvick with the new track logo. The Daytona 300, the premier event in the NASCAR Busch Series season, will kick off the 2007 Busch Series season on Saturday, Feb. 17. The race will also be televised on ESPN2HD, the new television home to the Busch Series.(DIS PR)(12-8-2006)
Pepsi 400 Tickets On Sale Saturday, Oct. 14: On Saturday, Oct. 14, at 8am/et, fans will have their first opportunity to purchase all remaining tickets for the 49th annual Pepsi 400 on July 7, 2007. Great seats, including a limited number of premium tower seats, will be available. Prior to Saturday, Oct. 14, renewals and deposits for seat assignments for the Pepsi 400 were taken by the ticket office at Daytona International Speedway. Also available beginning on Saturday will be a three-day Pepsi 400 Weekend ticket package, which will include tickets to the NASCAR Busch Series 250 and Circle K Pole Qualifying Day for the Pepsi 400 on Friday, July 6 and the Rolex Sports Car Series 250 on Thursday night, July 5. Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to the mid-summer classic, more info at 1-800-PITSHOP or Daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(10-14-2006)
Sit With Jimmy: In response to Kenny Wallace’s recent accusation that Jimmy Spencer is out of touch with race fans, "Mr. Excitement" unveiled his own Daytona 500 ticket package on Sunday’s NASCAR RaceDay at Dover, Del. More info at sitwithjimmy.com.(9-24-2006)
IndyCars to Test at Daytona: The IndyCar Series and Daytona International Speedway announced plans for a compatibility test at Daytona International Speedway on Sept. 26 and 27. The test will feature 2006 IndyCar Series Champion Sam Hornish, Jr.,; 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona and 2003 IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon and 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona Champion and 2005 IndyCar Series Champion Dan Wheldon. Third-generation racer and 2006 Rookie of the Year Marco Andretti and 2004 IndyCar Series Champ and teammate Tony Kanaan and Vitor Meira will also take part in the test. The visit will allow IndyCar Series officials to determine the possibility of Daytona International Speedway serving as a preseason testing venue. The compatibility test will allow series officials to see transitions onto the banking, tire wear/side loads and braking zones while looking for any challenging surface areas on the track. The IndyCar Series officials have analyzed data from Chip Ganassi Racing and Cheever Racing Rolex Sports Car Series programs that indicate IndyCar Series cars should have no issues. The test will take place on the 2.73-mile tri-oval and road course which includes ten turns. The IndyCar Series and its teams will conduct the on-track activity with support from the Daytona facilities crew. For track services, Daytona will tap the experience and knowledge available from International Speedway Corporation's (ISC) other facilities with IndyCar Series events, which include Homestead-Miami Speedway, Watkins Glen International, Richmond International Raceway, Kansas Speedway and Michigan International Speedway.(DIS PR)(9-14-2006)
Finishing Touches on Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame: In conjunction with Daytona USA's 10th anniversary celebration, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" put the final touches on the new Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame on Friday. Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig and Daytona USA General Manager Kim Isemann assisted operations personnel in installing the 3x3 cement blocks that showcase the Daytona 500 champion's handprint, right foot and autograph into their final place. During the recent Pepsi 400 Weekend, winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for Daytona USA, had their hands, right foot and signature immortalized in cement in a special ceremony inside the 60,000-square foot attraction. Daytona 500 champions Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Ward Burton and Michael Waltrip all had the honor of placing their hands, right foot and signature in the famous wet cement. A special plaque in the Walk of Fame will honor the late Dale Earnhardt and his 1998 Daytona 500 victory. Guests at Daytona USA will now mill around outside Daytona USA, much like the world famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, and gaze down at the 3x3 cement blocks remembering those historic moments from NASCAR's signature event. Annual handprints, right foot prints and autograph of the Daytona 500 champion will take place each year in a special ceremony.(DIS PR)(9-10-2006)
ISC Helps Staten Island Little League: NASCAR is riding to the rescue of the Staten Island Little League, after venerable Hy Turkin Field was torn up from home plate to the outfield in a sickening episode of vehicular vandalism earlier this week. Michael Printup of International Speedway Corp., which seeks to build an 80,000-seat racetrack in Bloomfield, arranged a corporate donation of 500 square feet of sod and some 18 cubic yards of clean fill to make the Dongan Hills field playable again. The work will be done today and tomorrow [July 14-14]. Printup, who coaches in the South Shore Little League, said he wanted to help as soon as he read the distressing details in Wednesday's Advance. "For something that was so horrible in nature, I knew we [ISC] had to do something," he said. "This is something for the kids, so they can get back out there and play." Pete Sclafani expressed gratitude on behalf of the SILL board of directors. "It's good to see people from the community kicking in," Sclafani said.(Staten Island Advance)(7-18-2006)
DIS Infield Hosts Bevy Of Options For Pepsi 400 Fans: Only in Daytona International Speedway's NEXTEL FANZONE can the average race fan dine on such fine cuisine as Asian Chicken salad with mandarin orange dressing and toasted sesame seeds, grilled buffalo skewers with a gourmet rice blend, crispy onions and demi glace and tempura battered and panko breaded shrimp. Located in the heart of the infield, the Budweiser Bistro offers race fans something new and unusual to add to the fan experience at the "World Center of Racing". In addition to the new menu at the Bistro, Pepsi 400 Weekend race guests can experience:
* XM Satellite Radio will be broadcasting their shows live from the Entertainment Stage.
* Local chalk artists in the FANZONE creating a 6 x 30 mural with a race related theme custom piece of art using only pastels and chalk
* Professional Lego builders creating a fan-interactive Lego build of a small-scale model racetrack modeled after Daytona International Speedway.
* Professional Break Dancers performing an eye-catching, crowd-involving show of dance moves and acrobatics for the fans.
* Tom Hugley, the Unicycle Man, rolling through the NEXTEL FANZONE entertaining fans.
* Local bands including Jim Van Fleet and the Reign, The Caribbean Posse, Dixieland Band and Yummy.
Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE admissions as well as all Pepsi 400 Weekend tickets are available online by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. With the purchase of a $60 Pepsi 400 Pre-Race Pass/NEXTEL FANZONE, a guest can receive a FREE XM Satellite Radio with a purchase of a six-month service subscription.(DIS PR)(6-29-2006)
Daytona USA To Create Daytona 500 Champion's Walk Of Fame: In conjunction with Daytona USA's 10th anniversary celebration, "The Official Attraction of NASCAR" will create the new Daytona 500 Champion's Walk of Fame during the Pepsi 400 Weekend. Winning drivers of the Daytona 500 since 1996, the first year of operation for Daytona USA, will have their hands, right foot and signature immortalized in cement in a special ceremony inside the 60,000-square foot attraction on Friday, June 30 at 11:00am/et. Daytona 500 champions Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, Ward Burton and Michael Waltrip will all have the honor of placing their hands, right foot and signature in the famous wet cement. There will be a special plaque in the Walk of Fame honoring the late Dale Earnhardt and his 1998 Daytona 500 victory. Annual handprints, right foot prints and autograph of the Daytona 500 champion will take place each year in a special ceremony during the Pepsi 400 Weekend. Also Daytona USA will host an unprecedented gathering of former Daytona 500 winning cars during the June 29-July 1 Pepsi 400 Weekend. Including the current Daytona 500 winning car - the #48 Lowe's Home Improvement Chevrolet of Jimmie Johnson - Daytona USA will welcome six other winning race machines from "The Great American Race" - NASCAR's most prestigious and richest event. More info about Daytona USA at www.DaytonaUSA.com.(DIS PR)(6-29-2006)
Vice President to attend Pepsi 400: Vice President Dick Cheney will attend the 48th annual Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Vice President Cheney will speak to race fans during pre-race ceremonies for the mid-summer classic as well as meet NASCAR drivers, teams and executives during his visit to "The World Center of Racing."
"We're honored that Vice President Cheney will visit Daytona International Speedway and participate in Pepsi 400 pre-race festivities," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. "Vice President Cheney continues the tradition of high-profile elected officials that have visited the 'World Center of Racing'." In the 1984 Pepsi 400, the late President Ronald Reagan gave the starting command from Air Force One. Reagan, who became the first sitting President to attend a NASCAR race, witnessed Richard Petty earn his 200th NASCAR win. President George H.W. Bush attended the 1992 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, and current President George W. Bush served as the Grand Marshal for the Pepsi 400 during his 2000 presidential campaign. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld attended last year's 2005 Pepsi 400.(DIS PR)(6-27-2006)
Crossfade's Ed Sloan To Sing National Anthem At Pepsi 400: Ed Sloan, lead singer for Crossfade, one of the most powerful and inventive new hard rock bands around, will sing the National Anthem at the Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series race at historic Daytona International Speedway on July 1. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2006)
Space Shuttle, F-16s And Fireworks To Fill DIS Sky: Race fans attending the 48th annual Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup Series event on Saturday, July 1 will receive a 2-for-1 special on fly-overs before the start of one of NASCAR's most exciting nighttime races. Earlier in the day, NASA is scheduled to launch the space shuttle Discovery from the Kennedy Space Center in nearby Cape Canaveral, the first space shuttle launch in almost a year and the first ever on the same day of the Pepsi 400. The launch is scheduled to take place at 3:48pm/et and the "World Center of Racing" will be an excellent viewing spot. The second fly-over at Daytona International Speedway will take place during the national anthem later that night and provided by four Air Force F-16s from the Ft. Smith, Ark. Capping off the All-American night will be another high-flying spectacle as Santore & Sons Fireworks, located in nearby Bunnell, Fla., will once again display one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast.(DIS PR)(6-27-2006)
Daytona Intl Speedway picks winner to sing national anthem: A 16-year-old Palm Coast girl on Saturday sang her way past nine other finalists to win a chance to sing the national anthem before a televised NASCAR race at Daytona International Speedway later this month. "It's really thrilling to win because I've done my best and it's good enough," Tiffany Thomas said as she entered her version of Victory Lane at Daytona USA's Pepsi IMAX Theater. As the winner of Straightaway to Stardom II, an "American Idol"-style talent contest put on by the Speedway, Tiffany will sing before the June 30 Busch series Winn-Dixie 250. The judges decided who would win by the contestant's personality, stage presence and ability to sing a traditional version of the anthem. After more than 15 minutes of deliberation the judges announced Tiffany as the winner.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-21-2006)
NHIS 1st race July 1st in 2007 UPDATE other sched changes?: many New Hampshire International Speedway ticket holders got their renewals for the first NHIS 2007 race, and the date is July 1st, the race is usually the third weekend in July. With the 4th of July on a Wednesday in 2007, the Pepsi 400 is scheduled to run on July 7, 2007. No word on the NHIS race date in September 2007.(6-16-2006)
UPDATE On the schedule front, there are indications that next year's Cup slate will have a different look to it. New Hampshire's first race will be moved up two weeks to July 1st and rumors in the garage have a second Las vegas race and a possible Kentucky Speedway date showing up on the calendar.(RacingOne)(6-20-2006)
Superman to serve as Grand Marshal of Pepsi 400: Brandon Routh, who stars as the Man of Steel in Superman Returns, Warner Bros. Pictures' soaring new action adventure opening nationwide on June 28, will serve as the Grand Marshal for the 48th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Routh will give the command "Drivers, start your engines" in NASCAR's mid-summer classic. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal pace car. Prior to his casting as Superman, Routh starred in the ABC sitcom Odd Man Out and the ABC Daytime Drama One Life To Live. He has also made guest appearances on the hit shows Gilmore Girls, Cold Case and Will & Grace. Jeff Gordon, will race his #24 Pepsi Chevy in a special Superman Returns paint-out car featuring the Superman S-Shield. Tickets for any of the Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-16-2006)
Daytona Offers Two More Pepsi 400 Ticket Packages: Daytona International Speedway continues to offer its guests a wide array of unique ticket packages, with the announcement of a "Chevy Day At Daytona" package and a "SunTrust Dare To Sit There" ticket package. When a race fan participates in a Chevrolet Test Drive at a participating Southern Chevy Dealer, they'll have the opportunity to purchase the "Chevy Day At Daytona" package, which offers race guests the following for $75 ($349 value): * One Pepsi 400 ticket for Saturday, July 1
* One Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo ticket
* One hospitality pass that can be used before the Pepsi 400
* Hospitality appearance by NEXTEL Cup Series driver J.J. Yeley
* Chevy gift
* One voucher for a hot lap around Daytona International Speedway (Must be used on Saturday, July 1)
* One Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE pass
* Pre-Race tour
The race guest can purchase one additional "Chevy Day" ticket package which excludes the hot lap voucher. SunTrust is partnering with two-time Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip and Rolex 24 champion Wayne Taylor for a pair of ticket packages for the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend. The SunTrust Dare To Sit There offer for Saturday, July 1, available for $125, includes:
* One Superstretch Terrace/Tower ticket for the Pepsi 400
* One Pre-Race/NEXTEL FANZONE admission
* Admission to a Michael Waltrip/Wayne Taylor fan forum on Saturday, July 1
The SunTrust Three-Day ticket offer, available for $190, includes:
* One general admission ticket to the Brumos Porsche 250 and Round 3 of the Crown Royal IROC Series race on Thursday, June 29.
* One general admission ticket to the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo on Friday, June 30
* One Superstretch Terrace/Tower ticket for the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 1
* NEXTEL FANZONE access for all three days of the Pepsi 400 Weekend
* Admission to a Michael Waltrip/Wayne Taylor fan forum on Saturday, July 1
For more information on these ticket packages and other great ticket offers for the Pepsi 400 Holiday weekend, call 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-15-2006)
2007 Daytona 500 Tix on sale Today: On Saturday, May 27, at 8:00am/et, race guests will have their first opportunity to purchase tickets to NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious stock car race. The Daytona 500 on-sale dates coincide with the unveiling of the new 49th annual Daytona 500 logo. The event name stands out in front of the distinctive shape of Daytona’s world famous 2.5-mile tri-oval that is emboldened in red, white and blue. Tickets to America’s most watched motorsports event start at $95 and Daytona International Speedway offers several convenient methods for fans to purchase tickets to “The Great American Race.”
“The Daytona 500 has traditionally been a sellout and we encourage race fans to get their tickets early,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. Also available are tickets for the upcoming Pepsi 400 Weekend on June 29-July 1, including the Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 1, the Winn-Dixie 250 presented by PepsiCo NASCAR Busch Series race and Circle K Pole Qualifying Day on Friday, June 30 and the Brumos Porsche 250 and Crown Royal IROC Series on Thursday, June 29. NASCAR tickets for the 2006 Pepsi 400 are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(5-27-2006)
Daytona may build worker complex: As it continues planning for a $100 million redevelopment of its office park, International Speedway Corp. is considering building a 15-acre office complex on Dunn Avenue. ISC has applied to the St. Johns River Water Management District for a stormwater drainage permit for the project, but that doesn't mean it will do the project, yet, company spokesman Lenny Santiago said. "If we decide to go forward with the project, it's easier for us if we've already filed the permits. It's part of our ongoing process as we're looking at the Speedplex project," Santiago said. ISC already owns the land, acquiring it in 2000 as part of a 45-acre purchase. The company is trying to determine how it will house operations as it demolishes buildings for the project. ISC owns five of the six buildings in the former General Electric office park at West International Speedway and Bill France boulevards. It could tear down a building at a time as construction progresses, or it may have to tear down more than one building, Santiago said. The company may need to build the new office complex, and it may need to lease other space, he said. The Speedplex redevelopment will include office towers for ISC and NASCAR as well as retail buildings, a multiplex cinema and residential condos.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-29-2006)
DIS gets rent increased: Daytona International Speedway officials agreed Monday to pay almost 5,000% more to lease the public land where the racetrack was built. Annual rent payments will rise from a token $10,000 -- established to help get the racetrack built in 1957 -- to $500,000 immediately. Rent increases will be built in every five years. International Speedway Corp. officials proposed a flat annual rent of $500,000 last August even though their rent would have doubled to $20,000 next year and stayed unchanged until 2032 under the previous lease. Chairman of the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities Commission, Fred Thellman's proposal to add automatic increases so the annual rent would average $750,000 after 48 years prevailed. Speedway officials were willing to pay more in order to extend the lease for the 447 acres fronting International Speedway Boulevard through 2054. John Graham, International Speedway Corp. vice president, said the longer lease will help justify a proposed $100 million investment in a Speedplex office, an office-commercial project on the north side of International Speedway Boulevard, across from the Speedway. Speedway officials won some concessions in the lease before agreeing to the higher rent. Under the terms of the original lease, racing district commissioners held the option to buy out the Speedway for 10 times gross revenues. They dropped that option Monday and also agreed to give the Speedway the first chance to negotiate with Volusia County when the racing district's lease of the land expires in 2054. The racing district subleases to the Speedway. Another feature of the original lease allowed the racing district to stage fundraising activities up to 90 days of the year at the Speedway, if facilities are available. Under new terms, the district only will use the Speedway 22 days each year, 11 per event, to continue sponsoring its popular car shows twice a year at the Speedway. A requirement to get the Speedway's permission for those auto-related events will be dropped. Plus, the racing district can use the Speedway for another eight days every year, but must get the Speedway's approval. A final vote on the lease agreement is scheduled for March 28, when the commissioners meet again.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(3-14-2006)
Pepsi 400 in Nov 2007? error or cat out of the bag? UPDATE denied & changed: on a Castrol GTX sweepstakes page, the grand prize is listed as:
(1) Grand Prize: 4-day/3-night trip for two (2) to the 2007 Pepsi 400 race currently scheduled for November 2007 in Daytona, FL. Sooo, is that an error [oops] in the contest rules/prizes or did they slip and let the 'cat out of the bag' telling us that the Pepsi 400, held on the July 4th weekend for years, is gonna be moved in 2007 to be part of the chase and end the season where it began? See the contest and links on my Racing Contest page, it is towards the bottom as it ends 12/31/06.(3-8-2006)
UPDATE: been told by Daytona International Speedway reps that the Pepsi 400 will be run on July 7th, 2007 and NOT moved to November in 2007. The contest info has now been changed to relect the correct date of July 2007.(3-8-2006)
Injured Fan Unnoticed at Daytona UPDATE: As tens of thousands of race fans left the Daytona 500 on Sunday evening, a Longwood man lay unnoticed in a pool of blood 15 feet from a main road, police said Monday. It was more than seven hours before Robert Eugene Faulkner woke up with little memory of what happened. Troopers think the 39-year-old was struck from behind by a pickup about 6:30 p.m. as he walked to his car parked near the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market, Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Miller said. "It's just amazing that he would lay there that long," Miller said. "How did somebody not see the crash?" Troopers found a piece of a truck's mirror at the edge of Tomoka Farms Road, near the entrance to the flea market's parking lot, Miller said. The lot, a popular spot for race fans, was full during the Daytona 500, but troopers did not know how many vehicles were parked there. Faulkner woke at 2 a.m. with a cut on his head, scrapes on his face and a swollen left ankle. He then drove himself to his parents' Seminole County house, more than 42 miles away. "He's stubborn and determined. He just knew he needed to be at work," his sister, Sherrie Atkinson, said while visiting Faulkner at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. He was transferred there Monday morning to see a neurosurgeon. He had more than a dozen staples in his head. When Faulkner walked in the door of his parents' home Monday, his father saw that he was covered in blood. Perry Faulkner had been waiting for his son, who has lived with his parents in Longwood for the past several months, because he had not been able to reach him all night. Robert Faulkner had driven to the race alone and parked at a home near the flea market. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan met up with some friends at the speedway and walked back to his car after the race ended. "He said he heard a squeal," Atkinson said. "He doesn't remember anything after that." Faulkner was thrown, his sunglasses going in one direction and his cell phone in the other, his sister said. She found those items but couldn't spot his Earnhardt hat. Investigators think the mirror they found at the scene came from a dark-colored Ford F-150 truck, made between 2004 and 2006, Miller said. "I can't believe people just walked by and didn't do anything," Atkinson said. Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to call the Highway Patrol at 407-737-2200 or *FHP on their cell phone.(Orlando Sentinel)(2-21-2006)
UPDATE - real nice....: A woman called police saying she has a key piece of evidence that could help solve a hit and run accident that happened after the Daytona 500. But she won't give it up unless she gets paid [what a sweetheart huh?]. When Robert Faulkner was hit by a vehicle along Tomoka Farms Road, everything went flying. His hat, cell phone, sunglasses went in different directions. Now a woman says she found the hat, but she's holding it for ransom. Now, to add insult to injury, a woman called FHP and said she found the injured man's hat and she'll give it back for a price. "She wants a reward for finding the hat," Atkinson said. FHP would like to know when the woman found the hat and if she happened to see a man lying unconscious on the ground in a pool of his own blood. However, the woman said she will give no information until she sees some money. "I just can't believe somebody would ask for a reward," Atkinson said. FHP said, right now, they can't charge the woman with any crime, but they would still like to talk to her. As for the bounty on the hat, Atkinson and her brother agree, information on the hit and run driver is much more valuable. "We both feel the same way, she can keep the hat," she said. Faulkner is recovering at home. His brain is bruised and he has a lot of cuts and scrapes. FHP believes it was a 2004 to 2006 Ford F-150 that hit him. If you have any information, please call the Florida Highway Patrol.(wftv.com)(2-24-2006)
Piece of #2 car goes into the stands: have seen nothing of this, but noticed it during the race and have seen video, the rear bumper cover of the #2 Miller Lite Dodge that Kurt Busch drivers, came off during a wreck on lap 188 and flew over the catch fence and into the stands during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. The piece looked like it flew through an opening in the stands. Have heard nothing more seen any reports at all about any injuries, and sources at the track say no injuries were reported.(2-21-2006)
Scalpers Snagged: Scalpers hovering around Daytona International Speedway found themselves to be the target of a sting conducted by Daytona Beach police this past weekend, authorities said. Undercover officers arrested 14 people for peddling tickets along International Speedway Boulevard said Sgt. James Newcomb, of the Daytona Beach Police Department. The ticket hawkers were arrested and brought to the county jail after they sold tickets to undercover officers who posed as race fans looking for a good seat. The most expensive ticket bought was $150 more than the retail value, Newcomb said. Anyone who offers or sells a ticket for more than $1 above the retail price is charged with the resale of an amusement ticket, a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 in fines or 60 days in jail. Buyers don't face any penalties because it isn't illegal to purchase a scalped ticket. The ticket peddlers pose a problem for police because they block traffic along International Speedway Boulevard and restrict pedestrian flow into the Speedway. Newcomb said most of the ticket sellers were from out of town and he hopes this weekend's operation would deter scalpers from selling again.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-20-2006)
A Darlington deal for the Daytona 500 The 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season has finally arrived. On Sunday, February 19, the eyes of race fans all over the world will be focused on the state of Florida and racing's premier event, the Daytona 500. Darlington Raceway is offering a special one-day-only deal to celebrate the opening of the season at Daytona. Fans who purchase any grandstand ticket to the 2006 Dodge Charger 500, coming up Saturday, May 13 at the track "Too Tough To Tame," will receive a free pre-race pit pass. The pre-race pit pass allows access to the pit road area until one hour before the start of the race. This offer is valid only on Sunday, February 19 - race day at Daytona. Ticket prices for the Dodge Charger 500 start at $45. Fans can purchase their tickets and receive their free pre-race pit passes by calling toll-free at 866.459.RACE (7223), or by visiting www.racetickets.com, on Sunday, February 19.(Darlington Raceway)(2-18-2006)
Clemens Named Honorary Official: Future baseball Hall of Famer and seven-time Cy Young Award winner Roger Clemens has been named Honorary Official for the 48th annual Daytona 500. As Honorary Official, Clemens will ride in one of the Chevrolet Impala SS cars before start the prestigious 200-lap, 500-mile race.(DIS PR)(2-17-2006)
Olympic snowboard medalists to give start command: Olympic snowboard medalists Hannah Teter and Gretchen Bleiler, who led the United States to a 1-2 finish in the women's halfpipe, have been named Co-Honorary Starters for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500. Hannah Teter, a native of Belmont, Vt., captured the Gold Medal in the halfpipe competition in her Olympic debut at the 2006 Torino Games. Gretchen Bleiler, also making her Olympic debut, took the silver in the halfpipe. In 2005, the Aspen, Colo., resident returned from a torn ACL injury to win the X Games, Gravity Games, U.S. Open and a World Cup at the Olympic pipe at Bardonecchia.(DIS PR)(2-17-2006)
2007 Duels in prime time? Rumors are that next year's Twin 150s [Gatorade Duels] will be held in prime time.(RacingOne)(2-13-2006)
'Sonny?' Actor James Caan named Daytona 500 Grand Marshal: Actor James Caan, star of the NBC hit drama “Las Vegas,” has been named Grand Marshal for the prestigious 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19 at historic Daytona International Speedway. Caan, who garnered an Academy Award nomination for his role as Sonny Corleone in “The Godfather” and an Emmy nomination for his performance as football star Brian Piccolo in “Brian’s Song,” will give the starting command “Gentlemen, start your engines” in the premier motorsports event in the world. Caan, who also starred in popular films such as “Misery” and “Honeymoon in Vegas,” will also ride in one of the Daytona 500 pace cars ahead of the 43-car field. In Las Vegas, which will be moving to Friday nights on NBC at 9:00pm/et beginning March 3, Caan stars as Ed Deline, the head of a surveillance team of a casino. On Monday, Feb 6, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Driver Jimmie Johnson had a major guest starring role on the show, playing himself. “We’re proud to have James Caan serve as Grand Marshal and deliver the starting command for the Daytona 500 in front of thousands of race fans and millions more watching on television,” Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said. “Attracting an accomplished actor such as James Caan continues the tradition of high-profile actors, athletes and politicians that have kicked off the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season.” Caan received a Best Actor Award from the Sebastian Film festival for his performance in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Rain People,” as well as the Actor of the Year honor from the National Associate of Theater Owners for “The Gambler.”NASCAR tickets for the 2006 DAYTONA 500 and all other Speedweeks 2006 events are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS Site)(2-15-2006)
Daytona: No Plans to Pave: While discussing the perils of bump drafting at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday night following the Budweiser Shootout, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a verbal swipe at the condition of the 2.5-mile tri-oval. "I think the racetrack is in poor condition, in my opinion," Earnhardt said. "We run around the middle of the corner because the bottom is so dang rough. There's a lot of bad bumps and it moves the cars around when you're side by side. Three-wide and you've got cars running through bumps and holes; you're going to have a hard time hanging on to them."
"We respect the opinions of the drivers," Speedway president Robin Braig said in response. "On the competition side, we look to our sanctioning bodies, in this case NASCAR, and to Goodyear Tires for their recommendations about our track surface. They keep a close eye on the condition of the track surface." Earnhardt was 5 years old the last time the Speedway, owned by International Speedway Corp., was paved in 1979. ISC plans to pave Talladega Superspeedway, a track similar in size [2.66 miles] and shape, this year. Braig said that "at this time, there are no plans to repave" Daytona. "NASCAR and Goodyear have each told us we are in good shape right now," Braig said. "We always listen to our drivers, but we take our lead on the competition side from NASCAR and Goodyear."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-14-2006)
Bud the official Beer of Daytona: Budweiser will become the Official Beer of Daytona International Speedway under a new multi-year agreement that includes Official Beer status and signage rights during all of the track's eight annual events, including Speedweeks, the Daytona 500 and Pepsi 400 and the renaming of the track's infield concession area to "The Budweiser Bistro." Budweiser, the official beer of NASCAR and driver #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., will gain significant track signage, a major presence on the infield scoring tower in the NEXTEL FANZONE, use of the Speedway's logo and 2008 50th Anniversary logo, and will introduce its "Green Team" recycling programs to help keep Daytona International Speedway clean.(fingerprint inc. PR)(2-11-2006)
Daytona continues handicap parking permit enforcement program: Due to the extensive misuse of accessible (handicap) parking permits in recent years at Daytona International Speedway events and a successful program launch in 2005, the Speedway will once again enlist law enforcement to aggressively monitor and enforce proper use of state-issued accessible parking permits. Following July's successful handicap parking permit enforcement program, during Speedweeks 2006 at Daytona International Speedway, state and local law enforcement officers will once again require all accessible parking placards, hangtags and license tags users to show proper documentation or identification before allowing entrance to accessible parking lots. Unauthorized use of an accessible parking permit is unlawful and punishable under Florida law. Refusal to cooperate with law enforcement officers implementing this program constitutes "resisting an officer" and will result in additional sanctions. Please be aware of the following:
* Unlawful use of a parking permit is a 2nd degree misdemeanor, $1,000 fine, or 1 year in jail.
* Guests CANNOT use an accessible parking permit unless the person to whom it's issued is the driver of or passenger in your vehicle!
* The permit must be hung on the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in the accessible parking area.
* Both sides of the parking permit must display valid decals (month/year and DL#).
* Parking permit # must be displayed toward the front of the windshield.
* Accessible license plates may be used in lieu of a parking permit.
* Law enforcement officers at the Speedway will be checking permits issued by all U.S. states and Canada.(DIS PR)(2-9-2006)
Bon Jovi headlines Tribute to America at Daytona: As a continuation of Sprint Nextel's sponsorship of Bon Jovi's "Have A Nice Day" tour, the legendary rock band will headline the Sprint Tribute to America prior to the Daytona 500 Feb. 19, which kicks off the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series season. The pre-race show will air live on NBC from Daytona International Speedway - the World Center of Racing. Now in its third year, Sprint Tribute to America brings top entertainers to Daytona International Speedway to honor the spirit of America and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Thousands of people will have a unique opportunity to be up close during the high-energy show. Daytona International Speedway is accepting volunteers immediately at d500showvolunteers.com. The Daytona 500 pre-race coverage on NBC begins at 1:30pm/et Feb. 19, 2006. The race, which starts at 2:30 p.m., also will be broadcast live on MRN. For Speedweeks tickets, visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call (800) PITSHOP. More information on Bon Jovi, view bonjovi.com.(DIS PR)(2-8-2006)
Daytona 500 Souvenir Program Hits Major Retailers: Race fans eager for the 2006 NASCAR season to begin can get a head start with the official 2006 Daytona 500 souvenir program. This full-color, 144-page event program is packed with all the excitement that surrounds Speedweeks at the "World Center of Racing" - Daytona International Speedway. The official Daytona 500 souvenir program is now available at major retailers nationwide. Featuring NASCAR favorites 2004 Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champ Tony Stewart and 2005 Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon on the cover, the official 2006 Daytona 500 souvenir program brings together all of the latest news and information available prior to the waving of the green flag. In addition to complete coverage of 2005 Speedweeks and the NASCAR's biggest, richest and most prestigious race - the Daytona 500 - learn how Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon have recalibrated for the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. Get a look at the participants expected to compete in the Budweiser Shootout At Daytona, and preview the Gatorade Duel At Daytona qualifying events. Cost of the program is $10. For information regarding Daytona International Speedway and the Daytona 500, please visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(2-8-2006)
B-1B to do Flyovers at Daytona: United States Air Force B-1 Lancer bombers will fly over the Daytona International Speedway for both the Hershey's Kissables 300 Busch race on Saturday Feb. 18, 2006 and the Daytona 500 NEXTEL Cup race on Sunday Feb. 19, 2006.(Air Force PR)(2-7-2006)
Daytona 500 purse exceeds $18million: The 48th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 19, America’s biggest and most prestigious motorsports event of the year, will once again carry the biggest purse in the history of stock car racing at more than $18 million. The posted awards for the “The Great American Race” on Sunday, Feb. 19 will be $18,029,052, an increase of nearly half a million. The posted awards for the 2005 Daytona 500, which was won for a third time by Jeff Gordon, was $17,623,980. The winner of this year’s Daytona 500 will collect a minimum of $1,438,155. The second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers in the Daytona 500 will receive a minimum of $1,034,175, $741,325, $589,500 and $461,925 respectively. Even the last-place finisher in the Daytona 500 will be rewarded with a minimum of $224,665.
Other purses for Speedweeks 2006 events are:
· ARCA 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race: $ 286,849
· Budweiser Shootout: $1,119,920
· GM Flex Fuel 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race: $835,651
· Hershey’s Kissables 300 NASCAR Busch Series race: $2,629,362
Tickets to any of the Speedweeks 2006 events are available online at or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-6-2006)
Daytona 500 Sells Out Again: All grandstand seats for the 48th annual Daytona 500 - at historic Daytona International Speedway are sold out, Speedway President Robin Braig announced today. While all the grandstand seats are sold out, fans can still purchase infield tickets for the "Great American Race" - the kick off to the NEXTEL Cup Series season scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 19. Fans can also purchase tickets for other exciting DIS Speedweeks events including the Budweiser Shootout (Feb. 11), Bud Pole Qualifying (Feb. 12), the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (Feb. 16), GM Flex Fuel 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Feb. 17), Crown Royal International Race of Champions (Feb. 17) and the Hershey's Kissables 300 NASCAR Busch Series event (Feb. 18). Tickets are available for other Speedweeks events at Daytona International Speedway are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(2-3-2006)
Staind to perform at Bud Shootout: Multi-platinum recording artists, Staind, will be the headline act for pre- and post-race concert festivities at the 28th annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, which kicks off the NASCAR Nextel Cup season on Saturday, Feb. 11 at Daytona International Speedway. Staind’s Aaron Lewis will also sing the National Anthem prior to the Budweiser Shootout (8:00pm/et on TNT). Following the conclusion of the 70-lap no-holds-barred, all-star race, Staind will perform a free concert for all Budweiser Shootout ticket holders. At the conclusion of the Staind concert, fans are invited to view more live music in the Daytona infield Nextel Fanzone. Tickets for the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(1-31-2006)
Daytona USA Celebrates 10th Anniversary: To help celebrate Daytona USA's 10th anniversary, the Ultimate Motorsports Attraction will be doing a special giveaway each month that will highlight and celebrate the drivers who have won the Daytona 500 over the past 10 years. The first 500 guests to visit Daytona USA on certain dates will receive a commemorative print of the Daytona 500 winner in Gatorade Victory Lane along with a collector's lapel pin of the race logo from that year, for more info see daytonausa.com.(DIS PR)(1-25-2006)
NASCAR Drivers running Rolex 24 At Daytona: At least nine drivers with NASCAR ties are scheduled to test Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series cars Thursday through Saturday at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the Jan. 28-29 running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Defending Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart and recently retired Rusty Wallace are on the entry list for testing. They will be teammates - but in different cars - for Howard-Boss Motorsports. Ganassi Racing driver Casey Mears will be part of Ganassi's driver lineup, which includes former Cup driver Scott Pruett, who still drives road-course Cup events. Two-time Busch Series champion Randy LaJoie is on the entry list, as are Mexican drivers Adrian Fernandez and Michel Jourdain, who ran partial schedules in the Busch Series last year. NBC commentator and former Cup driver Wally Dallenbach will also participate.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter), also Northeast short-tracker Ted Christopher and former Truck/Busch Series driver David Donohue will run the race.(Elmira Star Gazette)(1-5-2006)
MORE NASCAR Ties: other drivers with "NASCAR Ties":
Christian Fittipaldi (Cup/Busch); Butch Leitzinger (Cup/Busch); Darrin Brassfield (Cup in 1989); Tommy Riggins (Cup/Busch); Jack Baldwin (Busch); Tommy Archer (Trucks); Mike Borkowski (Busch/Trucks); Tony Ave (Cup start); Chris Bingham (Busch); Ron Fellows is testing the #40 with Bingham this week in Daytona and could end up running the race.(Mike Paz, DIS PR Announcer)(1-6-2006)
PLUS: NASCAR NBC Broadcaster and racing legend, Benny Parsons, will be the grand marshal of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.(1-9-2006)
Corvette Z06 to Pace Daytona 500 with Jay Leno at the Wheel: A specially outfitted 2006 Corvette Z06 will serve as the official pace car of the 48th running of the Daytona 500, on Feb. 19. "Tonight Show" host and auto enthusiast Jay Leno will drive the pace car. Selection of the Z06 model marks the second consecutive year that a Corvette has been selected as the Daytona 500 pace car. The Corvette Z06 that will serve as the Daytona 500 pace car is mechanically identical to those available at Chevrolet dealerships. It is the fastest vehicle ever offered by Chevrolet and General Motors. With 505 horsepower (377 kw) and 470 lb.-ft. of torque (637 Nm) from its 7.0L all-aluminum, racing-inspired engine, the Corvette Z06 leaps from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 198 mph. It also differs from other production Corvette models with extensive use of lightweight materials, including carbon-fiber front fenders and a chassis comprised of aluminum and magnesium. A racing-ready suspension and large, 18-inch front wheels and 19-inch rear wheels help keep it glued to the tarmac, so it requires no drivetrain modifications to satisfy its role in front of the racing pack. In its official capacity, however, the pace car is outfitted with a variety of safety equipment and highly visible strobe lights.
The Corvette Z06's 505-horsepower (377 kw) output is actually more than the power produced by the race cars that will compete in the Daytona 500 - a first for a pace car. This is because of the unique "restrictor plate" rule established for the Daytona and Talladega. racetracks. On these 2.5-mile-long super speedways, the restrictor plate reduces airflow into the engine to limit horsepower and keep race car speeds below 200 mph. With a restrictor plate, racing engine power is reduced from about 750 horsepower to about 450 horsepower. Race cars can still average more than 190 mph on Daytona's long straights.
The Corvette Z06 Daytona 500 wears a unique paint scheme, inspired by the hot-to-cool color transition of a space capsule entering Earth's atmosphere at a high rate of speed. The paint scheme is carried out with an elaborate, interlocking scallops design - a twist on hot rod-style flames - that blends "hot" Lemon Drop yellow at the nose of the Corvette with Lemon Glow, Amber Ecstasy, Blazing Copper and Hot Poppy. The colors culminate with a cool Sapphire Trance blue color at the rear of the vehicle. DuPont, the sponsor of Jeff Gordon's #24 Monte Carlo, supplied the colors, which are from the company's "Hot Hues" line of automotive paint.
Jay Leno, host of the "Tonight Show" and an unabashed auto enthusiast, will drive the Corvette Z06 during opening ceremonies and the pace laps that start the race. Leno, who has a large collection of vintage automobiles and motorcycles, has previous experience as a pace car driver.(GM PR)(1-6-2006)
IROC adds road course...Daytona: The International Race of Champions [IROC] series will be on the road again in 2006, holding a road-course event as part of its four-race schedule for the first time in 14 years.The IROC series, sponsored by Crown Royal, will hold its third race this season on Thursday, June 29, on the road course at Daytona International Speedway. The last road-course event in IROC was at Watkins Glen International in New York in 1991, with Rusty Wallace winning. As part of its 30th anniversary season, IROC will also race Feb. 17 on the 2.5-mile oval at Daytona, on April 7 at Texas Motor Speedway and on Oct. 28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. "We've missed the road racing element of the series over the years and I can't tell you how thrilled we are to add a road course back into the mix," said Jay Signore, IROC president and general manager. "This will be the first time the Crown Royal IROC Series will race on the Daytona road course since our inaugural season." IROC's test drivers began making laps Thursday on the 3.56-mile Daytona road course in conjunction with testing for the Rolex 24 of Daytona endurance race. The 12-driver field for this year's event is scheduled to be announced Jan. 17 in Daytona at a news conference during NASCAR's "Preseason Thunder," two weeks of testing that begins Monday.(ThatsRacin.com), the Daytona road course race takes the place of Richmond, which ran in Sept.(1-5-2006)
Lucky fan to be named "Mayor of Speedweeks" One lucky race fan will receive two tickets to all Speedweeks races and be part of the Daytona 500 Victory Lane celebration, all part of just a few of the perks bestowed upon Daytona International Speedway's "Mayor of Speedweeks." Teaming with Black Crow Broadcasting (WVYB, 103.3 FM; WHOG, 95.7; 93.1 KRO Country), the winner will also receive two credentials/access to pre-race & NEXTEL FANZONE on Sunday, February 19, 2006, have your photo taken with area mayor, participate in Speedweeks 2006 Opening Ceremonies at Rolex 24 practice receive two tickets to DAYTONA USA; wave the flag at Rolex practice session to officially get Speedweeks underway; attend the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver's Meeting; receive Party Zone access during the NASCAR Busch Series event and be part of the Gatorade Victory Lane celebration at the Daytona 500. To get all the perks of a politician, fans need to tell Daytona "Why Should I be Mayor of Speedweeks 2006" in 100 words or less. Future politicos can enter by mailing their essay to: Mayor of Speedweeks c/o Daytona International Speedway, 1800 W. International Speedway Blvd. Daytona Beach, FL, Fax to: 386-947-6791; E-Mail: daytonaspeedway@daytonainternationalspeedway.com or drop off our entry at Guest Services located at DAYTONA USA. Fans can also register on-line at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. The contest runs January 2nd - January 13th. Winner will be chosen and called by an employee of Daytona International Speedway by January 16th.(DIS PR)(12-27-2005)
Rebate for Daytona Land? Daytona International Speedway's landlord agreed Tuesday to look into getting a sales tax rebate from the state. Members of the Racing and Recreational Facilities Commission were intrigued by the prospect of getting up to $2 million annually from the state, which allows sales tax rebates for sports facilities. Local officials would have to apply and get approval from the Florida Legislature. But they made clear their top priority would be completing talks on a new lease payment with the Speedway in January. Bob Leib, owner of The Leib Group of Wisconsin, said the Speedway pays $10.8 million a year in sales taxes to the state. International Speedway Corp. has paid $10,000 a year since 1957 to lease the 447 acres of public land where it built the world-famous racing complex. The company exercised its option in April to extend the lease through 2035 at an annual rent of $20,000 starting in 2007. However, ISC offered in August to increase its annual rent to $500,000 a year in exchange for extending the lease to 2054. The racing board hired The Leib Group for about $75,000 to recommend a fair lease payment.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-22-2005)
Southern Sports Awards Nominates NASCAR tracks/teams/drivers...what? no lugnut [LMS Mascot]?: The Daytona 500 and August night race at Bristol Motor Speedway have been nominated in the "Best Sports Experience" category in the inaugural Southern Sports Awards which recognizes and honors the athletes, fans and the traditions that "set the South above the rest in the sports world."(DIS PR)
Talladega The Talladega Superspeedway Infield is among select nominees for the first ever Southern Sports Awards (SSA), a two-hour special awards show that will recognize and honor the athletes, fans and traditions that "set the South above the rest in the sports world." Talladega Superspeedway's nomination is to the "Best Place To Tailgate" category.(TSS PR)
Roush Racing: Roush Racing [#'s 6,16,17,97,99] have been nominated for Best Management.
Dale Jr. vs Jeff? Dale Earnhardt Jr. vs. Jeff Gordon have been nominated for the Biggest Rivalry category.
Coach of the Year: among the nomiee's are Chad Knaus, #48 Crew Chief for Jimmie Johnson and Greg Zippadelli,(#20 Crew Chief for Tony Stewart.
Fan Favorite nominee's include Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #11, #18, #20 team owner Joe Gibbs, not for racing but for being the headcoach of the NFL's Washington Redskins.
Newcomer of the Year: surprise! Carl Edwards, driver of the #99 Ford [4 wins] is nominated along with #5-Kyle Busch, winner at California as a rookie.
AND finally for the The "Style" Award...nominated from NASCAR are Kyle Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Fans can vote to determine the winner by logging on to www.southernsportsawards.com until Nov 23rd and completing the 13-category ballot. The awards will be presented Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2005 at The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA.(11-10-2005)
Speedway to expand "Hospitality Village": Daytona International Speedway plans to move and expand its "Hospitality Village" along the track's south side. The backstretch Hospitality Village will be located about 200 yards away from its original location. The hospitality villages consist of temporary tents that are set up during events on concrete pads. The Speedway has applied to the St. Johns River Water Management District for permits for drainage and paving. Robin Braig, DIS president, said the hospitality tents are in place to accommodate NASCAR fans. "The tents allow the customers to eat and associate with vendors during events," Braig said. There are three hospitality locations around the track with two near the frontstretch and the one on the backstretch. The Daytona Club, one of the frontstretch areas, has a bar, restaurant and live music.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(10-25-2005)
The Dodge Daytona 500? UPDATE: NASCAR-ISC executives are trying to persuade Daimler-Chrysler's Dodge division to become the name sponsor of the Daytona 500 [at Daytona International Speedway in Feb 2006], but the German car company has not been willing to pay the price, according to sources close to the situation.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-26-2005)
UPDATE: Daytona officials confirmed talking with DaimlerChrysler about naming rights for the Daytona Craftsman Truck Series race, but they say that there are no plans to add a sponsorship name to the Daytona 500. The season's first race hasn't been sponsored since STP dropped its marketing of it in 1993 after sponsoring it as "The Daytona 500 by STP" for several years.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-30-2005)
60 Minutes Visits Daytona International Speedway: 60 Minutes, the CBS News magazine providing a blend of hard-hitting investigative reports, interviews, feature segments and profiles of people in the news, used Daytona International Speedway as the site for an upcoming corporate profile piece featuring NASCAR's first-family. International Speedway Corporation (ISC) Chairman and longtime NASCAR President Bill France, ISC President Lesa France Kennedy and NASCAR Chairman Brian France will be the subject of the corporate profile according to a 60 Minutes producer. The segment is scheduled to air sometime in September or October.
The trio sat down with 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl to talk about the past, present and future of America's fastest growing spectator sport. The interviews took place earlier this week at DAYTONA USA, the "Official Attraction of NASCAR" and at the luxurious Daytona 500 Club located at the start/finish line of the historic Speedway overlooking Gatorade Victory Lane. According to Nielsen, an average of 14.2 million viewers tuned in to the broadcast each Sunday evening over the 2003-04 season -- 200,000 more than for the previous season. The broadcast posted an average household rating of 9.4 with a 16 share.(DIS PR)(8-20-2005)
The Haskell Company Garners Award For DIS Infield Renovation: The Haskell Company, the Jacksonville based design and construction company that completed the multi-faceted, multi-million dollar infield renovation at historic Daytona International Speedway, has been awarded Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Florida First Coast Chapter Excellence Award. The project was recognized in the renovation category. After winning the award on the local level, the project will be entered into the national competition in November. The Haskell Company began the infield renovation immediately following the 2004 Pepsi 400 and among the amenities added included the NEXTEL FANZONE, the four-story Daytona 500 Club and new Gatorade Victory Lane, a massive Turn 1 tunnel, new NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and Busch Series garages and waterfront specialty vehicle parking. The project was completed in time for Speedweeks 2005.(DIS PR)(8-2-2005)
Disabled permit enforcement nets 20 placards at DIS: More than 20 handicapped parking placards have been confiscated under tightened enforcement at Daytona International Speedway, according to track officials. Persons using stolen or improper handicapped placards to score an upfront parking space at the Pepsi 400 may be stopped in their tracks -- have the placard confiscated and face fines of up to $1,000. Florida Highway Patrol troopers -- in cooperation with the Florida Department of Transportation and the State Attorney's Office -- are stationed at designated handicapped motorists' lots: Lot 1 at the front of the Speedway; Lot 6 on the backstretch; and Lot E on the west end of the airport runway. A separate lot is being set aside with assured parking for race fans who purchase wheelchair spaces in the grandstands. Those fans receive separate Speedway handicapped placards, which will be checked for authenticity.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-2-2005)
Only a few tickets left for the 2006 Daytona 500:- Although NASCAR's most prestigious race - the 48th annual Daytona 500 - is eight months away, only a limited number of Frontstretch seats are available for NASCAR's biggest and richest event. "The Daytona 500 has traditionally been a sell out since the inaugural event in 1959 and we expect another capacity crowd for next year's event," Daytona International Speedway President Robin Braig said."Race fans continue to show that the Daytona 500 is the premier stock car race in America and we want to encourage everybody to make their plans to attend NASCAR's signature event as early as possible." Tickets for the Daytona 500, which is the season-opening event to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the climax of Speedweeks 2006, start at $95. The Rolex 24 At Daytona, the toughest and most prestigious sports car race in America, will kick off Speedweeks 2006 on a new date - Jan. 26-29. Also on tap for the smorgasbord of racing at "The World Center of Racing" include: * Hershey's 300 NASCAR Busch Series * NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race * Crown Royal IROC Series * Gatorade Duel At Daytona * Budweiser Shootout * Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 * Bud Pole Qualifying for the Daytona 500 Tickets are available for all other Speedweeks 2006 events at Daytona International Speedway online at daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(7-2-2005)
Secretary Rumsfeld Named Pepsi 400 Grand Marshal: U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld has been named Grand Marshal for the 47th running of the Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 2. Mr. Rumsfeld will give the command "Drivers, start your engines" in NASCAR's star-spangled holiday weekend event set to begin under the lights at 8 p.m. at the Daytona International Speedway. His Grand Marshal duties also include leading the 43-car field in the pace laps from the Grand Marshal pace car. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 weekend are on sale now, order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS)(6-30-2005)
DIS to Initiate Handicap Parking Permit Enforcement: Due to the extensive misuse of accessible (handicap) parking permits in recent years at Daytona International Speedway events, the Speedway has enlisted law enforcement to aggressively monitor and enforce proper use of state-issued accessible parking permits. During Pepsi 400 weekend, state and local law enforcement officers will require all accessible parking placards, hangtags and license tags users to show proper documentation or identification before allowing entrance to accessible parking lots. Unauthorized use of an accessible parking permit is unlawful and punishable under Florida law. Refusal to cooperate with law enforcement officers implementing this program constitutes "resisting an officer" and will result in additional sanctions.
Please be aware of the following:
Unlawful use of a parking permit is a 2nd degree misdemeanor, $1,000 fine, or 1 year in jail. Guests CANNOT use an accessible parking permit unless the person to whom it's issued is the driver of or passenger in your vehicle! The permit must be hung on the rearview mirror when the vehicle is parked in the accessible parking space. Both sides of the parking permit must display valid decals (month/year and DL#). Parking permit # must be displayed toward the front of the windshield. Accessible license plates may be used in lieu of a parking permit. Law enforcement officers at the Speedway will be checking permits issued by all U.S. states and Canada.(DIS PR)(6-30-2005)
Pre-Race Highlights for the Pepsi 400: Guests attending the 47th annual Pepsi 400 at historic Daytona International Speedway will be treated to an All-American evening of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing concluding with the largest fireworks display in the Southeast. Santore & Son Fireworks, located in nearby Bunnell, Fla., will once again launch the largest fireworks spectacle in the Southeast following the checkered flag in NASCAR's most exciting nighttime race on Saturday, July 2. Since the first nighttime running of the Pepsi 400 back in 1998, Santore & Sons has provided the post-race fireworks displays at "The World Center of Racing" and will use a plethora of different resources to produce this year's show including: * Seven days of preparation with 20 technicians * Two miles of control cable * 14 locations on the daunting high banks and 10 on the Superstretch * Two barges on Lake Lloyd * 10,000 pyrotechnic effects (over 8,000 pounds) * 100 lbs of red, white & blue confetti. Before the Pepsi 400 goes green, the pre-race revelry will be high gear with a patriotic salute on America's Independence Day weekend. JoJo, the 14-year-old singing sensation from Foxboro, Mass., will sing the National Anthem and four F-15 Eagles from the 125th Fighter Wing Florida Air National Guard located in Jacksonville, Fla. will provide the flyover before the start of the mid-summer classic. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-28-2005)
National Anthem at Daytona: Blackground/Universal recording artist JoJo will perform the National Anthem before the 47th annual Pepsi 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race on Saturday, July 2 at historic Daytona International Speedway. The 14-year-old singing sensation from Foxboro, Mass., first appeared on the music scene at the age of 6 when she appeared on Bill Cosby's "Kids Say the Darndest Things." Her performance led to appearances on "America's Most Talented Kids," "The Rosie O'Donnell Show," "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and the 2000 Republican National Convention in Boston. Tickets for the Pepsi 400 Weekend are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-27-2005)
Earnhardt Jr., Riggs And Edwards To Participate In "Dare To Sit There" Race guests who love sitting on the exhilarating and unpredictable Superstretch have another reason to purchase tickets alongside the 3,000-foot long Superstretch during the 47th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 2 at historic Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Scott Riggs and Carl Edwards will participate in the exclusive "Dare To Sit There" ticket package that will provide a thrilling race day during the Pepsi 400 as well as benefit three charities. The Dare To Sit There ticket package, which costs only $115, includes: * One Superstretch seat in your selected driver fan section * One NEXTEL FANZONE/Pre-Race pass * Admission into an exclusive fan forum with either Earnhardt Jr., Riggs or Edwards before the Pepsi 400 A portion of the proceeds from a purchase of a "Dare To Sit There" ticket package will go to the driver's designated charity - Victory Junction Gang Camp (Earnhardt Jr.), Carolina Donor Association (Riggs) and the Dream Factory (Edwards). To purchase the "Dare To Sit There" ticket package, race guests can call 1-800-PITSHOP or log on at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.(DIS PR)(6-18-2005)
DIS Offers Special Pepsi 400 Father's Day Package: If you've got your sights set on another Father's Day tie, Daytona International Speedway has a deal for you. In addition to a unique, one-of-a-kind rubber tie, "The World Center of Racing is offering a special $110 Father's Day Pepsi 400 ticket package through June 19 that includes:
* One Pepsi 400 ticket located on the always unpredictable Superstretch
* A NEXTEL FANZONE pass/Pre-Race access
* The first 100 that purchase the Father's Day Pepsi 400 ticket package will also receive a pace car ride around the legendary 2.5-mile tri-oval on Saturday, July 2.
The exclusive Father's Day package is available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(6-14-2005)
Speedweeks in Daytona to have a different look - Testing dates to change?: The Rolex 24 At Daytona is moving up -- to a new date on the calendar. And the focus of next year's Speed Weeks will be different. The Rolex 24 At Daytona is being moved from its normal first weekend of February one week earlier to Jan. 28-29. The move is believed to be permanent, and is designed to end a longstanding first-Sunday-in-February schedule conflict between the race and the NFL's Super Bowl. Daytona International Speedway and Rolex Series officials will announce the move today. The move breaks the Rolex 24's longstanding tradition of being DIS' opening act in a three-week glut of car racing to follow. The NASCAR portion of the schedule remains unchanged, although the switch may affect testing dates.
Though Speedway officials were mum beyond comments on the Rolex 24, sources familiar with the new schedule say DIS' wall-to-wall January test dates will have to be shifted as well, with Nextel Cup or Busch Series testing -- perhaps a combination of both -- likely to fill the one-week void created by the Rolex 24 move. Seen as a transportation cost-saving bonus for Cup teams, tests done in the week previous to NASCAR's portion of the schedule will allow the teams to arrive and stay, instead of testing, leaving and returning over many different weeks, as has been the case for years.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-9-2005)
Buddy Baker Grand Marshal of Daytona Road Race: Buddy Baker, the 1980 Daytona 500 champion and one of the greatest racers in the history of Daytona International Speedway, will serve as Grand Marshal for the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race on Thursday, June 30. Baker, who owns six stock car racing victories at the "World Center of Racing" and holds the distinction of winning the fastest Daytona 500 in history, will give the starting command for the 70-lap, 250-mile sports car race that kicks off the Pepsi 400 Weekend. It's fitting that Baker serves as Grand Marshal for the Brumos Porsche 250. His father Buck Baker made several starts in the legendary sports car race and earned a couple of top-three finishes as well as a victory in the 1971 edition of the race. The Brumos Porsche 250, which will feature the always exciting and competitive Daytona Prototypes as well as GT class machines on Daytona's legendary 3.56-mile road course, will have a new starting time during this year's Pepsi 400 Weekend. The race will go green on Thursday, June 30 at approximately 7:15 p.m. and will follow NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series practice sessions. Tickets for the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race and other Pepsi 400 Weekend events are available onl